A Guiding Hand for Families in Special Care Nurseries - Digital - Book - Page 71
At home
Temperature
It is important not to overheat your baby, but, remember, that if your baby
was very small or premature, they may find it difficult to keep warm. A
nursery thermometer will help you to monitor the room temperature. It
is recommended you keep the room temperature between 18 and 21°C
(64–69°F).
Check your baby regularly to ensure that they are not too hot or cold. You
can do this by feeling the back of the neck or tummy. It is normal for
a baby’s hands to feel colder than the rest of their body.
You may want to buy a thermometer to monitor your baby’s temperature
until you feel more confident. This should be a digital thermometer and
you should place this under your baby’s armpit. Their temperature should
normally be between 36.5 and 37.1°C (97.7– 98.7°F).
If your baby is too hot, take some layers off and check again. If your baby is
too cold, put a hat on, add more layers and give your baby a cuddle.
Important Reminder: As per Australia’s safe sleep guidelines, never place
a hat on your baby while they are sleeping or unattended. Babies lose heat
through their heads, and keeping their head uncovered during sleep helps
prevent overheating — a key factor in reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome (SIDS). For more guidance, reach out to your healthcare provider or
visit Red Nose Australia for trusted information on safe sleeping practices
If they seem unwell, lethargic or they don’t warm up if cold, speak to your GP as
soon as possible, or call the Maternal and Child Health Line in Victoria on 132
229, or for other states go to www.raisingchildren.net.au for a list of hotlines.
Smoking and Vaping
It is very important to remember that babies who have been in
special care can have fragile lungs and fall ill very easily. If your
baby comes home to a house where people smoke regularly,
If you are finding it
hard to stop smoking
their health can be quite seriously affected – even if they
completely, try to
are not in the room where someone is smoking.
This is the perfect time for you, or others living with you,
to try to stop smoking for the sake of everyone’s health,
and that of baby. Quitting smoking is not easy and will
require a lot of discipline, but it is an effort worth making.
only smoke outdoors
and when your baby
is not with you
Information and support about quitting can be found at: www.quitnow.gov.au
Life’s Little Treasures Foundation | Supporting Families of Premature & Sick Babies
68
